Russia during the Early Modern Era (1450-1750)

Political CharacteristicsSocial SystemsGender and EmpireEnlightenmentRussia’s Interactions

with the Ottomans, China, western Europe, and Eastern Europe

AbsolutismChange and Continuity

Let’s Look Back: Prior to 1450

Russia’s Social Classes 1000-1450

• Kievan princes• Boyars – Russian

aristocrats• Russian

peasants/free farmers

Mongols invade Russia.

Ivan III re-establishes Russian government.

Cossacks conquer new lands.

Ivan III begins process of westernization.

Saint Basil's Cathedral (1555-61) is a showcase of medieval Russian architecture.

Ivan III begins process of westernization.

Peter the Great expands Russia.

Alexandre Benois. Peter the Great Meditating the Idea of Building St Petersburg at the Shore of the Baltic Sea. 1916

Peter the Great expands Russia.

Catherine the Great continues westernization.

Russia’s Social Hierarchy 1450-1750

• Nobility• Landlords• Serfs